Dámó’s Strengthening Qigong (達磨壯氣功): A Study on the Origins, Structure, and Traditional Functions of Internal Practices

Introduction

In the internal and martial traditions of the East, it has always been emphasized that the cultivation of body and spirit must proceed hand in hand. One of the pillars of this teaching is a practice known as Qigong (氣功), which in its essence embodies continuity, discipline, and the unification of body, breath, and mind.

Among the many schools of Qigong, the system referred to as Dámó’s Strengthening Qigong (達磨壯氣功) holds a distinctive place. This is because the method is attributed to one of the foundational figures in the history of Chinese martial and internal arts—Bodhidharma (Dámó, 達磨).

1. Damo: A Historical and Spiritual Figure

Damo (達磨), originally an Indian monk of the Mahāyāna tradition, entered China around the 5th or 6th century CE. He is known not only for establishing the mental teachings of Chan (禪)—later known in Japan as Zen—but also as a teacher who encouraged the monks of the Shaolin Temple to undertake physical training in order to strengthen both body and mind.

According to traditional narratives—found in texts such as the Chuándēng Lù (傳燈錄, "Record of the Transmission of the Lamp") and in oral interpretations within the Shaolin school—Damo, upon observing the physical weakness and lethargy of the monks, devised a set of exercises to elevate their bodily capacity to a level befitting the demands of spiritual cultivation.

2. Lexical Analysis: 壯氣功

The compound Zhuàngqìgōng (壯氣功) comprises three essential characters:

• 壯 (Zhuàng): Sturdiness, strength, vitality—referring to the reinforcement of the physical structure and the foundational life-force of the body.
• 氣 (Qì): Vital energy, the circulating force that in traditional Chinese medicine is considered the basis of life.
• 功 (Gōng): Skill achieved through disciplined, goal-oriented, and persistent training.

Thus, the complete phrase "Zhuàngqìgōng" denotes a methodical practice aimed at enhancing Qi and building a robust and resilient constitution.

3. The Role of Damo’s Practices in Martial Tradition

The exercises attributed to Damo—especially those compiled in the two well-known texts:

• Yìjīnjīng (易筋經) – “The Classic of Tendon and Muscle Transformation”
• Xǐsuǐjīng (洗髓經) – “The Classic of Marrow Cleansing”

form the traditional foundation for many strengthening and standing forms of Qigong (Zhuàng).

Although written records specifically under the name Zhuàngqìgōng are limited, medieval Chinese writings and texts from the Shaolin tradition make reference to standing practices known as "Dámó’s Strengthening Exercises" (達磨壯功).

Certain 19th-century manuscripts—preserved in temples such as those in Fujian Province—describe practices remarkably similar to Zhuānggōng (樁功) or "standing post" methods, wherein the practitioner aligns breathing with mental visualization. These practices are today often recognized under the banner of Dámó’s Strengthening Qigong.

4. Training Structure

The traditional structure of this method rests on the following principles:

1. Postural Stability (靜中求動 / Jìng Zhōng Qiú Dòng): Standing in specific stances such as Horse Stance, Tree Post, or Holding the Ball—wherein the body appears motionless outwardly, yet remains internally dynamic.
2. Breath Regulation (調息 / Tiáo Xī): Harmonizing inhalation and exhalation with deep, calm, and mentally-attentive breathing to cultivate Qi.
3. Mental Visualization (意導氣行 / Yì Dǎo Qì Xíng): Guiding Qi with the power of directed intention—a classical concept described as "Yi leads, Qi follows."
4. Inner Focus and Mental Stillness (守中靜心 / Shǒu Zhōng Jìng Xīn): The ultimate objective is not external strength, but inner stability and conscious stillness.

5. Modern-Day Applications and Relevance

When properly taught, Dámó’s Strengthening Qigong offers the following benefits:

• Gradual physical restoration for middle-aged or elderly practitioners
• Strengthening of the immune and metabolic systems
• Internal preparation for advanced practices such as Tuishou (推手) and Taijiquan (太極拳)
• Correction of postural imbalances and reinforcement of the martial artist’s structural integrity

In classical schools such as YMAA and other reputable internal martial arts institutions, these practices are often taught as foundational Neigong, and only after achieving a certain level of internal and physical stability are more dynamic practices introduced.

Conclusion

Dámó’s Strengthening Qigong (達磨壯氣功) embodies the union of spiritual cultivation, physical resilience, and the elevation of vital energy. Although rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, this method remains wholly relevant to the needs of serious, authentic practitioners today.

In a world increasingly dominated by restless motion and surface-level activity, returning to the steadfast, still, and inward-focused practices offers a way to preserve tradition while simultaneously regenerating both body and mind.

Selected Sources

• 傳燈錄 (Chuándēng Lù) – “Record of the Transmission of the Lamp”
• 少林寺功夫志 (Shaolin Temple Gongfu Chronicles)
• Yìjīnjīng (易筋經) and Xǐsuǐjīng (洗髓經) – Edited versions from the Ming and Qing dynasties
• Personal notes from YMAA Neigong curriculum
• Oral transmission from traditional Shaolin and Neigong instructors

Compiled and Researched by: Aryanmehr